yards

...now browsing by category

 

Exterior Design

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

 Pinned Image

bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com

Would you like to know another of my favorite passions besides interior design? That would be landscape design!

 Pinned Image

pinterest

I actually think a lot of us that love interior decorating, also love working outside in our gardens. Do you agree?

garden

xenabitesback.tumblr.com 

I wanted to share a few hints and tips that I have learned along the way that has helped me with my gardens and exterior designs:

* Use the same design principles outdoors as you would inside. Create a natural setting by planting in groups of 3, 5 or 7 plants, trees or shrubs. Planting one here and there does not make any impact visually.

 Pinned Image

kirtsy.com

* Be sure to plan your outdoor area’s function. How will the space be used? For a child’s play area? To grow vegetables? A place to sit and rest? Or maybe outdoor entertaining? Design an area with purpose.

 Pinned Image

leah-theinsidestory.blogspot.com

* When planning an outdoor flower area, use your color knowledge. Do you want a soothing toned garden? Then plant a monochromatic scheme with the flowers all the same color such as white. If you like a jazzier garden, use contrasting colors such as blue and orange together.

 Pinned Image

emilialua1.tumblr.com

* Texture is also important in outdoor design. Mix smooth, rough, soft, prickly, glossy and fuzzy. Foliage, flowers, bark and hardscaping materials all have texture.

 Pinned Image

eatlivewear.tumblr.com

* Use a specimen plant in your landscape as a focal point. Accent with low shrubs or groundcover.

 Pinned Image

bijouxnoir.tumblr.com

* Line your container pots with sponges to save water. Use a unused, large sponge in the bottom of your container to help maintain soil moisture.

purpleflower

musicchick48.tumblr.com

* Architecture. Repeat your home’s architecture in the garden. Repeat motifs, shapes, colors, patterns and building materials. You can bring architecture to the garden through patios, arbors, gazebos, fences and more.

Pinned Image

studiogblog.com

* Be sure to show your unique style and personality in your gardens! Sculptures, architectural antiques, old-fashioned flowers or pink flamingos. Let people know that this is your garden!

Pinned Image

redbenchvintage.tumblr.com

I hope you have learned something new. Do you love to garden too??

Here are a few pictures of my garden that is a work in progress:

garden 013

garden 015

Look at the sky right after a rainstorm today:

garden 025

If you need help decorating your space, contact me today.

Share on Facebook

Summertime!

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

galadarling.com

Road Trip!! :) Is anyone going to be setting up for a Memorial Day, wedding, baby shower, 4th of July party or just a random summer party this year?  I read an article the other day that stated that over 80% of people polled said that their favorite party to attend is a backyard outdoor barbecue!

media-cache8.pinterest.com

And the best parties? Keeping things really simple.

hgtv1

hgtv

Votive candles spread out on the table, with bowls of lemons and limes. We could do this!:

Pinned Image

younghouselove.com

Be sure to keep the menu simple. Your guests will enjoy whatever you put out in front of them to eat! Grilling is tasty, but make sure that you help keep the chef from having too complicated of meals. A few cold salads made ahead, good bread and cheese and a platter of fruit are easy and inexpensive menu choices for entertaining. Make as much as possible ahead of time.

Pinned Image

culinarytribune.com

You do not have to go crazy decorating outside either! I think one really cool ‘focal point’ is all you need:

iceboat

pinterest

Pinned Image

google

pineapple

ehow.com

Drinks are important!:

Yummmmm!!!

watermelon

Hither & Thither

I love the use of mason jars!:

masonjars

Raspberry Beer Cocktail

Keep your decorating simple:

image

pinterest

Love this!:

twirlys

adelynstone

bluecupcakes

It doesn’t look too stressful! Let’s have a summer party!

I hope I have given you a couple good ideas to try. Happy, happy, happy! (picture me dancing a happy summer dance!) summer my friends!

If you need help with decorating or color selection, contact me today!

Similar Topics You Might Enjoy:

Summer Bouquets From Your Garden

Spring Inspiration!

Easy Flower Arranging

Share on Facebook

Summer Bouquets From Your Garden

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Do you take the time to bring your flowers from your garden indoors to enjoy?  The above arrangement was made with hosta leaves, sweet peas, lilies, Queen Anne’s Lace, blue anise and an orange gerbera daisy.     joenesgarden.com

You can make simple and sweet arrangements:

 

A rose bouquet, Annie Spiegelmanroses

When time is limited, one of the easiest summer table arrangements can be created by five hosta leaves and three large hydrangea blossoms as in the photo here.  Use a short vase.  Cut the hosta stems so the base of the leaves sit on the rim of the vase. Place the hostas in the vase so they edge the entire rim – the stems will criss-cross in the vase.  Cut the hydrangea stems so the lower portion of the blossoms will rest on the hosta leaves.  Ten minutes, tops, gives you a simple, beautiful, and dramatic display.*

hydrangea bouquet 7-09

* joenesgarden.com

Another good tip is that you can also create simple, beautiful flower arrangements with fresh cut flowers from a local farm stand or flower store. Simply use greens cut from your own bushes and perennials as your supporting cast.

Do you cut flowers out of your garden and bring indoors?  Writing this reminds me of how easy it is to do and how much I love walking into a room with fresh flowers!  Comments?

If you need help making your home fresh and comfortable, contact me today!

Other Related Topics You Might Enjoy:

Floral Arranging 101

Easy Flower Arranging

Bring in Spring By Forcing Branches Now

Bringing Back Your Dining Room, part 2

Share on Facebook

How Not To Decorate The Front Yard

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

I know my blog is supposed to be full of beautiful pictures, but sometimes I can not help myself!

Crazy overgrown trees

Peek-a-boo!  Where is the house?  What are you hiding back there??  Not good.

Neither is using fake flowers in the yard:!

Picture 044

OMG!  Do you think we can not tell you are using fake flowers in your yard?!

OK, no one loves yard work:

But just throwing out a bunch of crap in the front does not constitute a decorative front yard.

This one is a real pet peeve of mine:

Red wood chips!  They are dyed red!  How natural does red wood chips look in your yard??  Did I mention they actually dye them red?  Please don’t use red mulch.

Some people might like this decorative ornament in their front yard:

normal_toiletplanter

Interesting……… but no.  That goes for overdoing the gnomes, pink flamingos, or any other garden ‘decor’ you might think is cute.  It’s not cute at all.

And be careful of your paint choices:

Picture 043

Do you know why the trim color does not seem to be working?  The taupe has an obvious green undertones which is not working with this shade of red paint.  Sorry neighbors!  You have some bad undertones going on there!

Do you have any pictures from the neighborhood you would like to share? ;)   Comments?

Share on Facebook
Home & Garden Blogs - Blog Rankings Home & Garden Blogs
home-garden blog sites Home & Garden Blogs
Home & Garden blogs